Watermelon varieties &#39;red garnet&#39;, &#39;red opal&#39;, and &#39;red amber&#39;

ABSTRACT

New watermelon varieties designated ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, and ‘Red Amber’ are described. ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, and ‘Red Amber’ are watermelon varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/770,108, filed Nov. 20, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding. In particular, this invention relates to new watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, varieties designated ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, and ‘Red Amber’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All cultivated forms of watermelon belong to the polymorphic species Citrullus lanatus. As a crop, watermelons are grown commercially wherever environmental conditions permit the production of an economically viable yield. Cultivated watermelons grow as annual plants with large, broad leaves. The leaves may be lobed or simple and are typically orbicular to triangular-ovate in shape. The flowers are monoecious, producing both male and female flowers. The flesh color of cultivated watermelons is red, yellow, or white with ovate to oblong strongly compressed seeds that may be brown or white in color. The characterization of the mature fruit can vary widely among varieties of watermelon. Fruits may be round to oblong or elliptical with rind colors varying from dark green to yellow and rind patterning varying widely.

Many changes that occurred with the domestication of the watermelon relate to fruit morphology, with a specialization in fruit shape, size, and flavor. Cultivated watermelons can vary from 5 to 45 pounds, depending on the variety. In the United States, watermelon is grown in at least 44 states, but the principal watermelon growing states are Georgia, Florida, Texas, and California. Asia is the largest producer of watermelon, with 83.4% of the world production in 2011. Fresh watermelons are consumed in many forms, generally fresh, sliced, or as an ingredient in prepared foods. Over 80% of watermelons grown in the United States are triploid seedless varieties, preferred for their ease of consumption, increased yield, and premium market value over diploid seeded varieties.

Citrullus lanatus is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae, which contains about 90 genera and 700 to 760 species. The family includes melons, pumpkins, squashes, gourds, cucumber, loofah, and many weeds. The genus Citrullus, to which the watermelon belongs, consists of about four species, including C. colocynthis, C. rehmii, and C. ecirrhosus, all of which may be crossed with each other successfully. The watermelon is believed to be native to southern Africa and has been cultivated there for about 4000 years.

Regular, seeded watermelon is diploid and has eleven pairs of chromosomes (2n=2x=22). There also exist tetraploid varieties, which have 44 chromosomes in their somatic cells (2n=4x=44). Popular “seedless” varieties are triploid, meaning they have 33 chromosomes in their somatic cells (3x=33) and are derived from a cross between male diploid and female tetraploid parents. Triploid plants are unable to produce viable gametes; therefore, when triploid plants are grown in the presence of diploid plants, the triploid plants produce seedless fruit. These seedless varieties may sometimes produce fruit with small, edible white ovules, similar to those in immature cucumbers.

Watermelon is an important and valuable field crop with an array of observable and detectable traits of importance both to watermelon consumers and watermelon growers. Traits of importance include taste, texture, size, rind patterns, and shapes. Watermelon consumers desire watermelons that have excellent taste and sweetness. In addition, the texture and firmness of flesh is critical to the consumer experience of eating watermelons. Watermelon fruit comes in a wide range of sizes, from as small as one kilogram up to twenty or more kilograms, with the main commercial range being from approximately three kilograms up to approximately twelve kilograms. There are dozens of rind patterns possible on watermelon fruit. While consumers tend to prefer particular rind patterns, novel rind patterns can also lead to fruit purchase. Watermelon fruit can have an array of shapes from round to oval (length/width ratios up to 3:1). Consumers have distinct preferences for fruit shape. Growers also can have preferences for fruit shape as, for example, in some markets a blocky shape is considered easier to ship than a round shape. Growers also are highly focused on having high yields from their watermelon fields. At the same time, growers must meet quality standards for their crops to be accepted by wholesale buyers and shippers, including producing fruit free of defects such as hollow-heart, internal growth, not having “seeds” in the seedless triploid hybrids, sufficiently good color, and good appearance of fruit. Moreover, for both quality and yield, growers often need certain disease resistances for their watermelon varieties.

In spite of many genetic improvements to watermelons for both growing and consumption, the consumer experience of watermelons is often disappointing. This is largely due to watermelon being a commodity in the marketplace, with watermelons coming from many different growers and being sold based on a wholesale price rather than taste quality. In addition, current watermelon breeding is focused on producing watermelons that look similar to other watermelons in the marketplace. Thus, there is a need to provide watermelon varieties with improved taste that have distinguishing features (such as distinct rind patterns), which will satisfy grower requirements and provide easily recognizable and better-tasting watermelons for consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed to watermelon varieties with improved taste and distinguishing features, such as a variety of striping patterns on differently hued skin and deep and rich flesh coloration. In addition, the present invention is directed to watermelon varieties with improved firmness of flesh and improved internal quality.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a triploid watermelon variety, Citrullus lanatus, seed designated as ‘Red Garnet’ having NCIMB Accession Number X1. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Citrullus lanatus watermelon plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Citrullus lanatus plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Citrullus lanatus plant produced by growing ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon seed having NCIMB Accession Number X1.

Watermelon plant parts include watermelon leaves, ovules, pollen, seeds, watermelon fruits, parts of watermelon fruits, flowers, cells, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to watermelon leaves, ovules, pollen, seeds, watermelon fruits, parts of watermelon fruits, and/or flowers isolated from ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon plants. In certain embodiments, the present invention is further directed to pollen or ovules isolated from ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to protoplasts produced from ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon plants, and to watermelon plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon. In certain embodiments, tissue culture of ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon plants is produced from a plant part selected from leaf, anther, pistil, stem, petiole, root, root tip, fruit, seed, flower, cotyledon, hypocotyl, embryo, and meristematic cell.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of selecting watermelon plants, by a) growing ‘Red Garnet’ watermelon plants where the ‘Red Garnet’ plants are grown from watermelon seed having NCIMB Accession Number X1, and b) selecting a plant from step a). In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to watermelon plants, plant parts, and seeds produced by the watermelon plants where the watermelon plants are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

According to the invention, there is provided a watermelon plant designated ‘Red Garnet’. This invention thus relates to the seeds of watermelon ‘Red Garnet’ and to the plants of watermelon ‘Red Garnet’. This invention also relates to methods for producing other watermelon cultivars or hybrids derived from watermelon ‘Red Garnet’ and to the watermelon cultivars and hybrids derived by the use of those methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to single gene converted plants of watermelon ‘Red Garnet’. The single transferred gene may preferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the single transferred gene will confer such trait as sex determination, herbicide resistance, insect resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, improved harvest characteristics, enhanced nutritional quality, or improved agronomic quality. The single gene may be a naturally occurring watermelon gene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a triploid watermelon variety, Citrullus lanatus, seed designated as ‘Red Opal’ having NCIMB Accession Number X2. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Citrullus lanatus watermelon plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Red Opal’ watermelon seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Citrullus lanatus plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Citrullus lanatus plant produced by growing ‘Red Opal’ watermelon seed having NCIMB Accession Number X2.

Watermelon plant parts include watermelon leaves, ovules, pollen, seeds, watermelon fruits, parts of watermelon fruits, flowers, cells, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to watermelon leaves, ovules, pollen, seeds, watermelon fruits, parts of watermelon fruits, and/or flowers isolated from ‘Red Opal’ watermelon plants. In certain embodiments, the present invention is further directed to pollen or ovules isolated from ‘Red Opal’ watermelon plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to protoplasts produced from ‘Red Opal’ watermelon plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Red Opal’ watermelon plants, and to watermelon plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Red Opal’ watermelon. In certain embodiments, tissue culture of ‘Red Opal’ watermelon plants is produced from a plant part selected from leaf, anther, pistil, stem, petiole, root, root tip, fruit, seed, flower, cotyledon, hypocotyl, embryo, and meristematic cell.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of selecting watermelon plants, by a) growing ‘Red Opal’ watermelon plants where the ‘Red Opal’ plants are grown from watermelon seed having NCIMB Accession Number X2, and b) selecting a plant from step a). In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to watermelon plants, plant parts and seeds produced by the watermelon plants where the watermelon plants are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

According to the invention, there is provided a watermelon plant designated ‘Red Opal’. This invention thus relates to the seeds of watermelon ‘Red Opal’ and to the plants of watermelon ‘Red Opal’. This invention also relates to methods for producing other watermelon cultivars or hybrids derived from watermelon ‘Red Opal’ and to the watermelon cultivars and hybrids derived by the use of those methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to single gene converted plants of watermelon ‘Red Opal’. The single transferred gene may preferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the single transferred gene will confer such trait as sex determination, herbicide resistance, insect resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, improved harvest characteristics, enhanced nutritional quality, or improved agronomic quality. The single gene may be a naturally occurring watermelon gene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a triploid watermelon variety, Citrullus lanatus, seed designated as ‘Red Amber’ having NCIMB Accession Number X3. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Citrullus lanatus watermelon plant and parts isolated therefrom produced by growing ‘Red Amber’ watermelon seed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a Citrullus lanatus plant and parts isolated therefrom having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a Citrullus lanatus plant produced by growing ‘Red Amber’ watermelon seed having NCIMB Accession Number X3.

Watermelon plant parts include watermelon leaves, ovules, pollen, seeds, watermelon fruits, parts of watermelon fruits, flowers, cells, and the like. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to watermelon leaves, ovules, pollen, seeds, watermelon fruits, parts of watermelon fruits, and/or flowers isolated from ‘Red Amber’ watermelon plants. In certain embodiments, the present invention is further directed to pollen or ovules isolated from ‘Red Amber’ watermelon plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to protoplasts produced from ‘Red Amber’ watermelon plants. In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to tissue culture of ‘Red Amber’ watermelon plants, and to watermelon plants regenerated from the tissue culture, where the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of ‘Red Amber’ watermelon. In certain embodiments, tissue culture of ‘Red Amber’ watermelon plants is produced from a plant part selected from leaf, anther, pistil, stem, petiole, root, root tip, fruit, seed, flower, cotyledon, hypocotyl, embryo, and meristematic cell.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to a method of selecting watermelon plants, by a) growing ‘Red Amber’ watermelon plants where the ‘Red Amber’ plants are grown from watermelon seed having NCIMB Accession Number X3, and b) selecting a plant from step a). In another embodiment, the present invention is further directed to watermelon plants, plant parts and seeds produced by the watermelon plants where the watermelon plants are isolated by the selection method of the invention.

According to the invention, there is provided a watermelon plant designated ‘Red Amber’. This invention thus relates to the seeds of watermelon ‘Red Amber’ and to the plants of watermelon ‘Red Amber’. This invention also relates to methods for producing other watermelon cultivars or hybrids derived from watermelon ‘Red Amber’ and to the watermelon cultivars and hybrids derived by the use of those methods.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to single gene converted plants of watermelon ‘Red Amber’. The single transferred gene may preferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the single transferred gene will confer such trait as sex determination, herbicide resistance, insect resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, improved harvest characteristics, enhanced nutritional quality, or improved agronomic quality. The single gene may be a naturally occurring watermelon gene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to methods for developing watermelon plants in a watermelon plant breeding program using plant breeding techniques including recurrent selection, backcrossing, pedigree breeding, restriction fragment length polymorphism enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection, and transformation. Marker loci such as restriction fragment polymorphisms or random amplified DNA have been published for many years and may be used for selection (See, Pierce et al., HortScience (1990) 25:605-615; Wehner, T., Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report, (1997) 20: 66-88; and Kennard et al., Theoretical Applied Genetics (1994) 89:217-224). Seeds, watermelon plants, and parts thereof produced by such breeding methods are also part of the invention. In addition, any reversion of the tetraploid to diploid is included as part of this invention, because this is a routine natural process (conversion from 4n to 2n ploidy level) seen at a low percentage with any tetraploid.

In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to watermelon seeds resulting from methods of making a watermelon variety of the present invention. In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to watermelon plants, and parts thereof, obtained from growing the seeds of the present invention. In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to watermelon plants, and parts thereof, having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the watermelon plants of the present invention. In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to watermelon tissue culture, obtained from the plants of the present invention. In further embodiments, the tissue culture of the present invention is produced from a plant part selected from the group consisting of leaf, anther, pistil, stem, petiole, root, root tip, fruit, seed, flower, cotyledon, hypocotyl, embryo, and meristematic cell.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference by study of the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A-1B show fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’. FIG. 1A shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ and longitudinal cross-sections of fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’. FIG. 1B shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’, a longitudinal cross-section of fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’, and slices of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’.

FIGS. 2A-2B show fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’. FIG. 2A shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ and longitudinal cross-sections of fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’. FIG. 2B shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’, and slices of watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’.

FIGS. 3A-3B show fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’. FIG. 3A shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ and longitudinal cross-sections of fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’. FIG. 3B shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’, a quarter section of fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’, and slices of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’.

FIGS. 4A-4B show fruit of watermelon variety ‘Fascination’. FIG. 4A shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Fascination’ and longitudinal cross-sections of fruit of watermelon variety ‘Fascination’. FIG. 4B shows whole fruit of watermelon variety ‘Fascination’, a longitudinal cross-section of fruit of watermelon variety ‘Fascination’, and slices of watermelon variety ‘Fascination’.

FIGS. 5A-5G show comparisons of the exterior and interior of fruit of triploid watermelon varieties from Trial #2. FIG. 5A shows watermelon variety ‘7197’. FIG. 5B shows watermelon variety ‘Captivation’. FIG. 5C shows watermelon variety ‘Excursion’. FIG. 5D shows watermelon variety ‘Fascination’. FIG. 5E shows watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’. FIG. 5F shows watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’. FIG. 5G shows watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’. For FIGS. 5A-5G, multiple whole fruit are shown on the left, single whole fruit is shown in the middle, and a longitudinal cross-section of fruit is shown on the right.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards triploid varieties of watermelon exhibiting desired striped rind patterning and saturated flesh color. These desired rind, flesh, size, and shape characteristics can be accomplished by crossing two watermelon plants such that the progeny watermelon plants exhibit rind, flesh, size, and shape characteristics of both parent plants. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed towards triploid, seedless, watermelon plants. Triploid plants are produced by the cross of a diploid male and tetraploid female. Genes exhibited by triploid plants can be thought of as contributed by the parents in “doses.” By way of example, if a diploid (2×) striped plant A (male parent) is crossed onto a tetraploid (4×) plant B (female parent), the result of the cross would be triploid (3×) plant C, wherein plant C receives one set of genes from A and two sets of genes from B. It can be said that, in this exemplary cross, that plant C has one “dose” of genes from plant A and two “doses” of genes from plant B. By this model, all genes can be transferred to progeny in a dose-dependent manner.

There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable plant germplasm. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet the program goals. The selected germplasm is crossed in order to recombine the desired traits, and then through selection, varieties or parent lines are developed. The goal is to combine in a single variety or hybrid an improved combination of desirable traits from the parental germplasm. These important traits may include higher yield, field performance, resistance to diseases and insects, and tolerance to drought and heat. These important traits may also include fruit and agronomic quality such as fruit shape, fruit appearance, fruit flesh firmness, and internal quality of fruit.

Choice of breeding or selection methods can depend on the mode of plant reproduction, the heritability of the trait(s) being improved, and the type of cultivar used commercially (e.g., F₁ hybrid cultivar, pureline cultivar, etc.). For highly heritable traits, a choice of superior individual plants evaluated at a single location will be effective, whereas for traits with low heritability, selection should be based on mean values obtained from replicated evaluations of families of related plants. Popular selection methods commonly include pedigree selection, modified pedigree selection, mass selection, and recurrent selection.

The complexity of inheritance influences choice of the breeding method. Backcross breeding is used to transfer one or a few favorable genes for a highly heritable trait into a desirable cultivar. This approach has been used extensively for breeding disease-resistant varieties. Various recurrent selection techniques are used to improve quantitatively inherited traits controlled by numerous genes. The use of recurrent selection in self-pollinating crops depends on the ease of pollination, the frequency of successful hybrids from each pollination, and the number of hybrid offspring from each successful cross.

Each breeding program may include a periodic, objective evaluation of the efficiency of the breeding procedure. Evaluation criteria vary depending on the goal and objectives, and can include gain from selection per year based on comparisons to an appropriate standard, overall value of the advanced breeding lines, and number of successful cultivars produced per unit of input (e.g., per year, per dollar expended, etc.).

Promising advanced breeding lines are thoroughly tested and compared to appropriate standards in environments representative of the commercial target area(s) for at least three years. The best lines can then be candidates for new commercial cultivars. Those still deficient in a few traits may be used as parents to produce new populations for further selection. These processes, which lead to the final step of marketing and distribution, may take from ten to twenty years from the time the first cross or selection is made.

One goal of watermelon plant breeding is to develop new, unique, and genetically superior watermelon cultivars and hybrids. A breeder can initially select and cross two or more parental lines, followed by repeated selfing and selection, producing many new genetic combinations. A plant breeder can then select which germplasms to advance to the next generation. These germplasms may then be grown under different geographical, climatic, and soil conditions, and further selections can be made during, and at the end of, the growing season.

The development of commercial watermelon cultivars thus requires the development of watermelon parental lines, the crossing of these lines, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection breeding methods may be used to develop cultivars from breeding populations. Breeding programs can be used to combine desirable traits from two or more varieties or various broad-based sources into breeding pools from which lines are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new lines are crossed with other lines and the hybrids from these crosses are evaluated to determine which have commercial potential.

Pedigree breeding is generally used for the improvement of self-pollinating crops or inbred lines of cross-pollinating crops. Two parents which possess favorable, complementary traits are crossed to produce an F₁. An F₂ population is produced by selfing one or several F_(1S) or by intercrossing two F_(1S) (sib mating). Selection of the best individuals is usually begun in the F₂ population; then, beginning in the F₃, the best individuals in the best families are selected. Replicated testing of families, or hybrid combinations involving individuals of these families, often follows in the F₄ generation to improve the effectiveness of selection for traits with low heritability. At an advanced stage of inbreeding (i.e., F₆ and F₇), the best lines or mixtures of phenotypically similar lines are tested for potential release as new cultivars.

Mass and recurrent selections can be used to improve populations of either self- or cross-pollinating crops. A genetically variable population of heterozygous individuals is either identified or created by intercrossing several different parents. The best plants are selected based on individual superiority, outstanding progeny, or excellent combining ability. The selected plants are intercrossed to produce a new population in which further cycles of selection are continued.

Backcross breeding may be used to transfer genes for a simply inherited, highly heritable trait into a desirable homozygous cultivar or line that is the recurrent parent. The source of the trait to be transferred is called the donor parent. The resulting plant is expected to have the attributes of the recurrent parent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirable trait transferred from the donor parent. After the initial cross, individuals possessing the phenotype of the donor parent are selected and repeatedly crossed (backcrossed) to the recurrent parent. The resulting plant is expected to have the attributes of the recurrent parent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirable trait transferred from the donor parent.

The single-seed descent procedure in the strict sense refers to planting a segregating population, harvesting a sample of one seed per plant, and using the one-seed sample to plant the next generation. When the population has been advanced from the F₂ to the desired level of inbreeding, the plants from which lines are derived will each trace to different F₂ individuals. The number of plants in a population declines each generation due to failure of some seeds to germinate or some plants to produce at least one seed. As a result, not all of the F₂ plants originally sampled in the population will be represented by a progeny when generation advance is completed.

In addition to phenotypic observations, the genotype of a plant can also be examined. There are many laboratory-based techniques known in the art that are available for the analysis, comparison and characterization of plant genotype. Such techniques include, without limitation, Isozyme Electrophoresis, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Amplified Fragment Length polymorphisms (AFLPs), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs, which are also referred to as Microsatellites), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).

Molecular markers can also be used during the breeding process for the selection of qualitative traits. For example, markers closely linked to alleles or markers containing sequences within the actual alleles of interest can be used to select plants that contain the alleles of interest during a backcrossing breeding program. The markers can also be used to select toward the genome of the recurrent parent and against the markers of the donor parent. This procedure attempts to minimize the amount of genome from the donor parent that remains in the selected plants. It can also be used to reduce the number of crosses back to the recurrent parent needed in a backcrossing program. The use of molecular markers in the selection process is often called genetic marker enhanced selection or marker-assisted selection. Molecular markers may also be used to identify and exclude certain sources of germplasm as parental varieties or ancestors of a plant by providing a means of tracking genetic profiles through crosses.

Mutation breeding may also be used to introduce new traits into watermelon varieties. Mutations that occur spontaneously or are artificially induced can be useful sources of variability for a plant breeder. The goal of artificial mutagenesis is to increase the rate of mutation for a desired characteristic. Mutation rates can be increased by many different means including temperature, long-term seed storage, tissue culture conditions, radiation (such as X-rays, Gamma rays, neutrons, Beta radiation, or ultraviolet radiation), chemical mutagens (such as base analogs like 5-bromo-uracil), antibiotics, alkylating agents (such as sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards, epoxides, ethyleneamines, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfones, or lactones), azide, hydroxylamine, nitrous acid, or acridines. Once a desired trait is observed through mutagenesis the trait may then be incorporated into existing germplasm by traditional breeding techniques. Details of mutation breeding can be found in Principles of Cultivar Development by Fehr, Macmillan Publishing Company, 1993.

The production of double haploids can also be used for the development of homozygous varieties in a breeding program. Double haploids are produced by the doubling of a set of chromosomes from a heterozygous plant to produce a completely homozygous individual. For example, see Wan et al., Theor. Appl. Genet., 77:889-892, 1989.

Additional non-limiting examples of breeding methods that may be used include, without limitation, those found in Principles of Plant Breeding, John Wiley and Son, pp. 115-161, 1960; Allard, 1960; Simmonds, 1979; Sneep et al., 1979; Fehr, 1987; “Carrots and Related Vegetable Umbelliferae”, Rubatzky, V. E., et al., 1999.

Definitions

In the description that follows, a number of terms are used. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided:

Allele. The allele is any of one or more alternative forms of a gene, all of which relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell or organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

Androecious plant. A plant having staminate flowers only.

Anthracnose. Anthracnose of cucurbits is a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum orbiculare (also called Colletotrichum lagenarium). Infected plants have lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits.

Backcrossing. Backcrossing is a process in which a breeder repeatedly crosses hybrid progeny back to one of the parents, for example, a first generation hybrid F₁ with one of the parental genotype of the F₁ hybrid.

Blossom end. The blossom end is the distal end of the fruit (the “far” end as measured from the base of the plant) where the flower blossom is located. The other end of a fruit is the stem end.

Blossom scar. The blossom scar is the small mark left on the distal end of the fruit after the flower falls off.

Covered cultivation. Any type of cultivation where the plants are not exposed to direct sunlight. The covering includes but is not limited to greenhouses, glasshouses, nethouses, plastic houses, and tunnels.

Essentially all the physiological and morphological characteristics. A plant having essentially all the physiological and morphological characteristics means a plant having the physiological and morphological characteristics of the recurrent parent, except for the characteristics derived from the converted gene.

Fusarium wilt. Fusarium wilt of watermelon is a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON). Infected plants wilt, have brown-streaked vascular tissue, and produce small and misshapen fruit.

Gene. As used herein, “gene” refers to a segment of nucleic acid. A gene can be introduced into a genome of a species, whether from a different species or from the same species, using transformation or various breeding methods.

Gynoecious plant. A plant having pistillate flowers only.

Monoecious plant. A plant having separate staminate and pistillate flowers on the same plant.

Percent Identity. Percent identity as used herein refers to the comparison of the homozygous alleles of two watermelon lines, hybrids or varieties. Percent identity is determined by comparing a statistically significant number of the homozygous alleles of two developed varieties, lines or hybrids. For example, a percent identity of 90% between watermelon plant 1 and watermelon plant 2 means that the two plants have the same allele at 90% of their loci.

Percent Similarity. Percent similarity as used herein refers to the comparison of the homozygous alleles of a watermelon plant such as hybrid watermelon ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’, with another plant, and if the homozygous allele of hybrid watermelon ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’, matches at least one of the alleles from the other plant then they are scored as similar. Percent similarity is determined by comparing a statistically significant number of loci and recording the number of loci with similar alleles as a percentage. A percent similarity of 90% between hybrid watermelon ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’, and another plant means that hybrid watermelon ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’, matches at least one of the alleles of the other plant at 90% of the loci.

Propagate. To “propagate” a plant means to reproduce the plant by means including, but not limited to, seeds, cuttings, divisions, tissue culture, embryo culture, or other in vitro method.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL). Quantitative trait loci refer to genetic loci that control to some degree numerically representable traits that are usually continuously distributed.

Regeneration. Regeneration refers to the development of a plant from tissue culture.

Seedless. Seedless plants refer to triploid watermelon plants that produce fruit without viable seeds. These fruit may be devoid of seeds or seed-like structures, or may contain immature white ovules.

Single gene converted. Single gene converted or conversion plant refers to plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of an inbred are recovered in addition to the single gene transferred into the inbred via the backcrossing technique, genetic engineering, or mutation.

Transgene. A “transgene” is a gene taken or copied from one organism and inserted into another organism. A transgene may be a gene that is foreign to the receiving organism or it may be a modified version of a native, or endogenous, gene.

Overview of the Variety ‘Red Garnet’

Watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ is a triploid watermelon variety that produces large fruit with dark red flesh and dark mottled stripes on medium green to dark green colored skin. ‘Red Garnet’ is suitable for cultivation in the glasshouse and in the open. Additionally, watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ has fruit that is heavy in weight (±10 kg) and has dark red colored flesh. FIGS. 1A-1B depict fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’. Watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections for its two parent lines, and was chosen for its vine vigor, proper maturity, flesh firmness, uniformity, yield, fruit size, fruit flesh color, and fruit skin color.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in ‘Red Garnet’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Red Garnet’

Watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Method of maintenance and reproduction: Hybrid grown from seed; produces seedless fruit

Ploidy: Triploid

Leaf blade:

-   -   Degree of lobing: Strong

Fruit:

-   -   Weight (average): 16-20 lbs.     -   Shape in longitudinal section: Medium elliptic     -   Ground color of skin (lightest color): Medium green     -   Width of stripes (darkest color): Medium     -   Main color of stripes: Very dark green     -   Conspicuousness of stripes: Medium     -   Margin of stripes: Diffuse     -   Main color of flesh: Dark red     -   Rind shine: Waxy layer

Seed:

-   -   Seed coat size: Medium

Time of female flowering (50% of plants with at least one female flower): Medium

Days to maturity: 84 days

Comparisons to Other Watermelon Varieties

Table 1 below compares some of the characteristics of the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ with the commercial triploid watermelon variety, ‘Fascination’. Column 1 lists the characteristic, column 2 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for commercial triploid watermelon variety, ‘Fascination’. Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the two varieties depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B and 4A-4B.

TABLE 1 Characteristic ‘Red Garnet’ ‘Fascination’ Intensity of color of fruit Darker Lighter rind striped rind striped rind Stripe color Very dark green Medium dark green Main color of fruit flesh Darker red Medium red Seed coat size Medium Small Rind shine Waxy layer Shiny Days to maturity 84 82 Total yield in lbs. (Trial 87,544 111,369 #1) Total yield in lbs. (Trial 46,911 47,051 #2)

Table 2 below compares some of the characteristics of the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ with the triploid watermelon varieties ‘Red Amber’ and ‘Red Opal’. Column 1 lists the characteristic, column 2 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’, column 3 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’, and column 4 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’. Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the three varieties depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 3A-3B.

TABLE 2 Characteristic ‘Red Garnet’ ‘Red Amber’ ‘Red Opal’ Ground Medium green Light green Very light color of green to fruit skin light green Main color of Dark red Red Pinkish red fruit flesh Rind shine Waxy layer Shiny Shiny Days to 84 89 84 maturity Weight 16-20 lbs. 15-19 lbs. 16-20 lbs. Flesh texture Medium crisp Very crisp Medium crisp Stripe color Very dark Medium Light green green dark green Total yield in lbs. 87,544 123,197 Not in trial (Trial #1) Total yield in lbs. 46,911 58,433 54,118 (Trial #2)

Tables 3A-3E show results of a trial (Trial #1) comparing the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ with the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’, as well as the commercial watermelon varieties ‘Fascination’, ‘7197’, ‘Captivation’, ‘Excursion’, and ‘Troubadour’. Trial #1 was conducted in Blackville, S.C., USA. Tables 3A-3C show the watermelon varieties ranked by yield (highest yielding at top, lowest yielding at bottom), while Tables 3D-3E show the watermelon varieties ranked by first harvest date (highest yielding at Harvest Date #1 at top, lowest yielding at Harvest Date #1 at bottom).

TABLE 3A Variety Yield Average Weight (lbs.) °Brix ‘Red Amber’ 123,197 19.4 11.4 ‘Fascination’ 111,369 19.9 11.4 ‘7197’ 100,733 18.2 11.1 ‘Captivation’ 95,373 19.6 11.3 ‘Red Garnet’ 87,544 20.0 11.3 ‘Excursion’ 80,768 21.0 10.3 ‘Troubadour’ 73,163 17.3 11.6

TABLE 3B Percent Total Variety 60 45 36 30 ‘Red Amber’ 1.8 19.8 44.3 34.1 ‘Fascination’ 2.7 23.8 32.2 41.4 ‘7197’ 5.7 28.3 39.7 26.3 ‘Captivation’ 0.8 18.1 51.0 30.1 ‘Red Garnet’ 0.8 14.2 48.7 36.2 ‘Excursion’ 1.9 15.9 34.0 48.1 ‘Troubadour’ 6.4 36.1 53.7 3.8

TABLE 3C Pounds Yield by Count Variety 60 45 36 30 ‘Red Amber’ 2,226 24,442 54,559 41,969 ‘Fascination’ 2,989 26,463 35,816 46,101 ‘7197’ 5,711 28,496 40,027 26,499 ‘Captivation’ 799 17,230 48,594 28,750 ‘Red Garnet’ 714 12,451 42,677 31,702 ‘Excursion’ 1,537 12,862 27,479 38,889 ‘Troubadour’ 4,719 26,426 39,271 2,747

TABLE 3D Harvest % Harvest % Variety Date 1 Total Date 2 Total ‘Excursion’ 26,911 33.3 18,416 22.8 ‘Red Amber’ 19,929 16.2 38,890 31.6 ‘Fascination’ 15,851 14.2 14,641 13.1 ‘7197’ 9,607 9.5 15,222 15.1 ‘Captivation’ 8,192 8.6 18,949 19.9 ‘Red Garnet’ 8,010 9.1 16,565 18.9 ‘Troubadour’ 6,728 9.2 12,614 17.2

TABLE 3E Harvest % Harvest % Variety Date 3 Total Date 4 Total Total ‘Excursion’ 21,695 26.9 13,746 17.0 80,768 ‘Red Amber’ 37,420 30.4 26,959 21.9 123,198 ‘Fascination’ 48,679 43.7 32,198 28.9 111,369 ‘7197’ 45,254 44.9 30,650 30.4 100,733 ‘Captivation’ 31,085 32.6 37,147 38.9 95,373 ‘Red Garnet’ 41,903 47.9 21,066 24.1 87,544 ‘Troubadour’ 23,075 31.5 30,746 42.0 73,163

Tables 4A-4H show results of a trial (Trial #2) comparing the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ with the triploid watermelon varieties ‘Red Amber’ and ‘Red Opal’, as well as the commercial triploid watermelon varieties ‘7197, ‘Captivation’, ‘Excursion’, and ‘Fascination’. Trial #2 was conducted in Vincennes, Ind., USA.

Randomized complete block designs with three replications were used in Trial #2. Experimental plots used a 48-ft bed that was spaced on 8 ft. centers. Each experimental plot included 12 watermelon plants on 4 ft. in-row spacing. Pollenizers were interplanted between every two triploid plants in the same row. Pollenizer ‘SP-7’ was used. All the seeds were planted in 50-cell black seeding flats filled with a peat-based potting media (Metro-Mix® 360, a mixture of sphagnum peat moss, coarse perlite, bark ash, starter fertilizer and dolomite). Transplants were grown in greenhouses. The soil type of the experimental field is sandy loam with 0.8 percent organic matter. Plants were grown on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch. Two of the three replications of the triploid watermelon variety trial were irrigated. Drip tape with a 12-inch emitter spacing and flow rate of 0.22 gpm/100 feet were used for irrigation. During transplanting, each plant received approximately one cup of starter fertilizer solution (Miracle-Gro®, 4.7 grams per gallon water). Fertilizers at the rate of 250 lb/acre urea (46-0-0), 100 lb/acre potash (0-0-60), 100 lb/acre diammonium phosphate (18-46-0), 200 lb/acre pelletized lime, 100 lb/acre K-Mag granular (0-0-22-11-22), 7 lb/acre boron 14.3% and 10 lb/acre Zinc 10% LS were pre-plant broadcast applied prior to laying black plastic mulch. Diseases and insects were managed by scouting and using recommendations from Melcast (melcast.info) and the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (Egel et al., 2018). Bravo®, Luna Experience® and Cabrio® were rotationally sprayed for disease control. No insecticides were applied during the season. Harvests were conducted once a week. Triploid watermelons were harvested four times. Fruit were weighed individually. Four fruit of each variety per replication were collected during peak harvest for fruit quality measurement. Fruit size and rind thickness were recorded. Total soluble solids were measured with a digital refractometer. Flesh firmness was measured using a force gauge with 11 mm diameter tip. Hollow heart severity was evaluated using a 1-5 scale: 1. none; 2. carpel separation evident; 3. one large gap evident; 4. more than 2 large gaps; 5. severe. Seedlessness was evaluated by counting black hard seeds on cutting surfaces of quartered melons. Analysis of variance was performed using the Proc ANOVA procedure of SAS. Fisher's least significant difference test (a=0.05) was conducted for multiple comparisons of different measurements among watermelon varieties.

Tables 4A-4H show the results of Trial #2. Tables 4A-4B show marketable and total yields of the watermelon varieties, Tables 4C-4D show average fruit weight and percentages of fruit in weight categories of the watermelon varieties, Table 4E shows marketable yield in the first harvest of the watermelon varieties, and Tables 4F-4H show fruit quality of the watermelon varieties. As shown in Table 4G, ‘Red Garnet’ was one of the varieties with the highest sugar content in Trial #2.

TABLE 4A Marketable weight per acre Marketable number per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 48,893 bcdefgh 3,025.1 cdefg ‘Captivation’ 48,589 bcdefgh 3,062.9 cdefg ‘Excursion’ 57,968 abed 3,289.8 abcdef ‘Fascination’ 47,051 cdefgh 2,873.8 efgh ‘Red Amber’ 58,433 abc 3,516.5 abcde ‘Red Garnet’ 46,911 defgh 3,062.9 cdefg ‘Red Opal’ 54,118 abcdefg 3,365.4 abcdef ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 4B Total weight per acre Total number per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 49,548 bcdefghi 3,062.9 defg ‘Captivation’ 49,951 bcdefghi 3,138.5 def ‘Excursion’ 58,406 abcde 3,327.6 bcdef ‘Fascination’ 47,051 efghi 2,873.8 fg ‘Red Amber’ 59,208 abc 3,592.0 abcde ‘Red Garnet’ 46,911 efghi 3,062.9 defg ‘Red Opal’ 54,410 abcdefg 3,406.2 abcdef ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 4C Average fruit weight¹ 9-13.5 lb Variety Pounds Statistics² <9 lb³ (60 count) ‘7197 16.2 defghi 0 27 ‘Captivation’ 15.9 fghijk 0 24 ‘Excursion’ 17.6 bcd 0 14 ‘Fascination’ 16.3 defghi 0 20 ‘Red Amber’ 16.6 defgh 0 20 ‘Red Garnet’ 15.3 hijkl 0 30 ‘Red Opal’ 16.1 efghij 0 31 ¹Average fruit weight was calculated by marketable fruit weight divide marketable fruit number using data from three replications. ²Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05. ³Percentages of fruit in weight categories were calculated using data collected in irrigated field.

TABLE 4D 13.6-17.5 lb¹ 17.6-21.4 lb >21.5 lb Variety (45 count) (36 count) (30 count) ‘7197 33 17 23 ‘Captivation’ 31 35 9 ‘Excursion’ 32 30 24 ‘Fascination’ 39 35 6 ‘Red Amber’ 43 22 13 ‘Red Garnet’ 42 25 2 ‘Red Opal’ 36 24 9 ¹Percentages of fruit in weight categories were calculated using data collected in irrigated field.

TABLE 4E Weight per acre Number of fruit per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 6,218 cdefghi 301.3 bcdefgh ‘Captivation’ 8,183 bcdefg 414.3 bcde ‘Excursion’ 9,243 abcdef 414.3 bcde ‘Fascination’ 7,398 bcdefg 452.0 bcde ‘Red Amber’ 6,825 bcdefgh 357.8 bcdef ‘Red Garnet’ 3,293 fghij 226.0 defgh ‘Red Opal’ 5,785 defghij 339.0 bcdefgh ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 4F Length (cm) Width (cm) Rind thickness (cm) Variety Length Statistics¹ Width Statistics¹ Thickness Statistics¹ ‘7197 30.0 abcd 23.8 efghijk 2.1 bcde ‘Captivation’ 27.4 ghijkl 23.8 efghijkl 1.7 efghi ‘Excursion’ 31.3 a 25.4 abcd 1.7 efghi ‘Fascination’ 28.1 efghijk 23.1 ghijklm 1.7 ghi ‘Red Amber’ 30.5 ab 23.7 efghijkl 1.8 efgh ‘Red Garnet’ 27.5 fghijkl 21.8 mn 1.7 efghi ‘Red Opal’ 29.0 cdefgh 22.5 jklm 1.8 efghi ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 4G Firmness Total soluble solids (lbs.-force) (°Brix) Variety lbs.-force Statistics¹ °Brix Statistics¹ ‘7197 2.8 cdefg 11.0 abcdefgh ‘Captivation’ 3.0 bcdef 10.3 efghi ‘Excursion’ 3.4 bc 9.9 hi ‘Fascination’ 3.0 bcdef 10.7 bcdefghi ‘Red Amber’ 2.9 bcdefg 10.7 bcdefghi ‘Red Garnet’ 3.1 bcde 11.5 abcde ‘Red Opal’ 3.2 bcde 10.8 bcdefgh ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 4H Hollow heart¹ Black seeds² Variety Severity Statistics³ Number Statistics³ ‘7197 1.8 bcdef 4.6 ab ‘Captivation’ 1.3 fgh 0.3 d ‘Excursion’ 1.5 efgh 0.6 cd ‘Fascination’ 1.6 cdefgh 5.4 a ‘Red Amber’ 1.2 fgh 0.5 d ‘Red Garnet’ 1.1 gh 0.3 d ‘Red Opal’ 1.4 fgh 0.7 cd ¹Hollow heart severity was evaluated using a 1-5 scale: 1 = None; 2 = Carpel separation evident; 3 = One large gap evident; 4 = More than 2 large gaps; 5 = Severe. ²Black seeds was evaluated on counting the total number of black seeds on cutting surfaces of quartered melons. ³Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the varieties depicted in FIGS. 5A-5G.

Overview of the Variety ‘Red Opal’

Watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ is a triploid watermelon variety that produces large fruit with mottled stripes on very light green to light green colored skin. ‘Red Opal’ is suitable for cultivation in the glasshouse and in the open. Additionally, watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ has fruits that are heavy in weight (±10 kg) and have pinkish red colored flesh. FIGS. 2A-2B depict fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’. Watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its fruit size, fruit flesh color, fruit skin color, fruit maturity, and yield.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in ‘Red Opal’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Red Opal’

Watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Method of maintenance and reproduction: Hybrid grown from seed; produces seedless fruit

Ploidy: Triploid

Leaf blade:

-   -   Degree of lobing: Strong

Fruit:

-   -   Weight (average): 15-19 lbs.     -   Shape in longitudinal section: Medium elliptic     -   Ground color of skin (lightest color): Very light green to light         green     -   Width of stripes (darkest color): Medium     -   Main color of stripes: Light green     -   Conspicuousness of stripes: Medium     -   Margin of stripes: Diffuse     -   Main color of flesh: Pinkish red     -   Rind shine: Shiny

Seed:

-   -   Seed coat size: Medium

Time of female flowering (50% of plants with at least one female flower): Medium

Days to maturity: 84

Disease resistance:

-   -   Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f sp. niveum (FON)) race 1:         Intermediate resistance     -   Anthracnose (Colletotrichum orbiculare) race 1: Intermediate         resistance

Comparisons to Other Watermelon Varieties

Table 5 below compares some of the characteristics of the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ with the commercial triploid watermelon variety ‘Fascination’. Column 1 lists the characteristic, column 2 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for commercial triploid watermelon variety ‘Fascination’. Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the two varieties depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A-4B.

TABLE 5 Characteristic ‘Red Opal’ ‘Fascination’ Stripe color Light green Medium dark green Seed coat size Medium Small Days to maturity 84 82 Weight 15-19 lbs. 16-20 lbs. Total yield in lbs. (Trial Not in trial 111,369 #1) Total yield in lbs. (Trial 54,118 47,051 #2)

Table 6 below compares some of the characteristics of the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ with the triploid watermelon varieties ‘Red Garnet’ and ‘Red Amber’. Column 1 lists the characteristic, column 2 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’, column 3 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’, and column 4 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’. Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the three varieties depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, 1A-1B, and 3A-3B.

TABLE 6 Characteristic ‘Red Opal’ ‘Red Garnet’ ‘Red Amber’ Ground color of fruit skin Very light Medium Light green green green to light green Stripe color Light green Very dark Medium green dark green Main color of fruit flesh Pinkish red Dark red Red Rind shine Shiny Waxy layer Shiny Days to maturity 84 84 89 Weight 15-19 lbs. 16-20 lbs. 16-20 lbs. Flesh texture Medium crisp Medium crisp Very crisp Total yield in lbs. (Trial Not in trial 87,544 123,197 #1) Total yield in lbs. (Trial 54,118 46,911 58,433 #2)

Tables 7A-7H show results of a trial (Trial #2) comparing the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ with the triploid watermelon varieties ‘Red Amber’ and ‘Red Garnet’, as well as the commercial triploid watermelon varieties as well as the commercial triploid watermelon varieties ‘7197, ‘Captivation’, ‘Excursion’, and ‘Fascination’. Trial #2 was conducted in Vincennes, Ind., USA.

Randomized complete block designs with three replications were used in Trial #2. Experimental plots used a 48-ft bed that was spaced on 8 ft. centers. Each experimental plot included 12 watermelon plants on 4 ft. in-row spacing. Pollenizers were interplanted between every two triploid plants in the same row. Pollenizer ‘SP-7’ was used. All the seeds were planted in 50-cell black seeding flats filled with a peat-based potting media (Metro-Mix® 360, a mixture of sphagnum peat moss, coarse perlite, bark ash, starter fertilizer and dolomite). Transplants were grown in greenhouses. The soil type of the experimental field is sandy loam with 0.8 percent organic matter. Plants were grown on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch. Two of the three replications of the triploid watermelon variety trial were irrigated. Drip tape with a 12-inch emitter spacing and flow rate of 0.22 gpm/100 feet were used for irrigation. During transplanting, each plant received approximately one cup of starter fertilizer solution (Miracle-Gro®, 4.7 grams per gallon water). Fertilizers at the rate of 250 lb/acre urea (46-0-0), 100 lb/acre potash (0-0-60), 100 lb/acre diammonium phosphate (18-46-0), 200 lb/acre pelletized lime, 100 lb/acre K-Mag granular (0-0-22-11-22), 7 lb/acre boron 14.3% and 10 lb/acre Zinc 10% LS were pre-plant broadcast applied prior to laying black plastic mulch. Diseases and insects were managed by scouting and using recommendations from Melcast (melcast.info) and the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (Egel et al., 2018). Bravo®, Luna Experience® and Cabrio® were rotationally sprayed for disease control. No insecticides were applied during the season. Harvests were conducted once a week. Triploid watermelons were harvested four times. Fruit were weighed individually. Four fruit of each variety per replication were collected during peak harvest for fruit quality measurement. Fruit size and rind thickness were recorded. Total soluble solids were measured with a digital refractometer. Flesh firmness was measured using a force gauge with 11 mm diameter tip. Hollow heart severity was evaluated using a 1-5 scale: 1. none; 2. carpel separation evident; 3. one large gap evident; 4. more than 2 large gaps; 5. severe. Seedlessness was evaluated by counting black hard seeds on cutting surfaces of quartered melons. Analysis of variance was performed using the Proc ANOVA procedure of SAS. Fisher's least significant difference test (a=0.05) was conducted for multiple comparisons of different measurements among watermelon varieties.

Tables 7A-7H show the results of Trial #2. Tables 7A-7B show marketable and total yields of the watermelon varieties, Tables 7C-7D show average fruit weight and percentages of fruit in weight categories of the watermelon varieties, Table 7E shows marketable yield in the first harvest of the watermelon varieties, and Tables 7F-7H show fruit quality of the watermelon varieties.

TABLE 7A Marketable weight per acre Marketable number per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 48,893 bcdefgh 3,025.1 cdefg ‘Captivation’ 48,589 bcdefgh 3,062.9 cdefg ‘Excursion’ 57,968 abed 3,289.8 abcdef ‘Fascination’ 47,051 cdefgh 2,873.8 efgh ‘Red Amber’ 58,433 abc 3,516.5 abcde ‘Red Garnet’ 46,911 defgh 3,062.9 cdefg ‘Red Opal’ 54,118 abcdefg 3,365.4 abcdef ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 7B Total weight per acre Total number per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 49,548 bcdefghi 3,062.9 defg ‘Captivation’ 49,951 bcdefghi 3,138.5 def ‘Excursion’ 58,406 abcde 3,327.6 bcdef ‘Fascination’ 47,051 efghi 2,873.8 fg ‘Red Amber’ 59,208 abc 3,592.0 abcde ‘Red Garnet’ 46,911 efghi 3,062.9 defg ‘Red Opal’ 54,410 abcdefg 3,406.2 abcdef ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 7C Average fruit weight¹ 9-13.5 lb Variety Pounds Statistics² <9 lb³ (60 count) ‘7197 16.2 defghi 0 27 ‘Captivation’ 15.9 fghijk 0 24 ‘Excursion’ 17.6 bcd 0 14 ‘Fascination’ 16.3 defghi 0 20 ‘Red Amber’ 16.6 defgh 0 20 ‘Red Garnet’ 15.3 hijkl 0 30 ‘Red Opal’ 16.1 efghij 0 31 ¹Average fruit weight was calculated by marketable fruit weight divide marketable fruit number, using data from three replications. ²Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05. ³Percentages of fruit in weight categories were calculated using data collected in irrigated field.

TABLE 7D 13.6-17.5 lb¹ 17.6-21.4 lb >21.5 lb Variety (45 count) (36 count) (30 count) ‘7197 33 17 23 ‘Captivation’ 31 35 9 ‘Excursion’ 32 30 24 ‘Fascination’ 39 35 6 ‘Red Amber’ 43 22 13 ‘Red Garnet’ 42 25 2 ‘Red Opal’ 36 24 9 ¹Percentages of fruit in weight categories were calculated using data collected in irrigated field.

TABLE 7E Weight per acre Number of fruit per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 6,218 cdefghi 301.3 bcdefgh ‘Captivation’ 8,183 bcdefg 414.3 bcde ‘Excursion’ 9,243 abcdef 414.3 bcde ‘Fascination’ 7,398 bcdefg 452.0 bcde ‘Red Amber’ 6,825 bcdefgh 357.8 bcdef ‘Red Garnet’ 3,293 fghij 226.0 defgh ‘Red Opal’ 5,785 defghij 339.0 bcdefgh ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 7F Length (cm) Width (cm) Rind thickness (cm) Variety Length Statistics¹ Width Statistics¹ Thickness Statistics¹ ‘7197 30.0 abcd 23.8 efghijk 2.1 bcde ‘Captivation’ 27.4 ghijkl 23.8 efghijkl 1.7 efghi ‘Excursion’ 31.3 a 25.4 abcd 1.7 efghi ‘Fascination’ 28.1 efghijk 23.1 ghijklm 1.7 ghi ‘Red Amber’ 30.5 ab 23.7 efghijkl 1.8 efgh ‘Red Garnet’ 27.5 fghijkl 21.8 mn 1.7 efghi ‘Red Opal’ 29.0 cdefgh 22.5 jklm 1.8 efghi ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 7G Firmness Total soluble solids (lbs.-force) (°Brix) Variety lbs.-force Statistics¹ °Brix Statistics¹ ‘7197 2.8 cdefg 11.0 abcdefgh ‘Captivation’ 3.0 bcdef 10.3 efghi ‘Excursion’ 3.4 bc 9.9 hi ‘Fascination’ 3.0 bcdef 10.7 bcdefghi ‘Red Amber’ 2.9 bcdefg 10.7 bcdefghi ‘Red Garnet’ 3.1 bcde 11.5 abcde ‘Red Opal’ 3.2 bcde 10.8 bcdefgh ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 7H Hollow heart¹ Black seeds² Variety Severity Statistics³ Number Statistics³ ‘7197 1.8 bcdef 4.6 ab ‘Captivation’ 1.3 fgh 0.3 d ‘Excursion’ 1.5 efgh 0.6 cd ‘Fascination’ 1.6 cdefgh 5.4 a ‘Red Amber’ 1.2 fgh 0.5 d ‘Red Garnet’ 1.1 gh 0.3 d ‘Red Opal’ 1.4 fgh 0.7 cd ¹Hollow heart severity was evaluated using a 1-5 scale: 1 = None; 2 = Carpel separation evident; 3 = One large gap evident; 4 = More than 2 large gaps; 5 = Severe. ²Black seeds was evaluated on counting the total number of black seeds on cutting surfaces of quartered melons. ³Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the varieties depicted in FIGS. 5A-5G.

Overview of the Variety ‘Red Amber’

Watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ is a triploid watermelon variety with exceptionally firm flesh and excellent holding ability in the field that produces large fruit with mottled stripes on light green colored skin. ‘Red Amber’ is suitable for cultivation in the glasshouse and in the open. Additionally, watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ has fruits that are heavy in weight and have red colored flesh. FIGS. 3A-3B depict fruit of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’. Watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ is the result of numerous generations of plant selections chosen for its fruit size, fruit flesh color, fruit skin color, yield, reliability, and field holding.

The variety has shown uniformity and stability for the traits, within the limits of environmental influence for the traits. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in ‘Red Amber’.

Objective Description of the Variety ‘Red Amber’

Watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ has the following morphologic and other characteristics:

Method of maintenance and reproduction: Hybrid grown from seed; produces seedless fruit

Ploidy: Triploid

Leaf blade:

-   -   Degree of lobing: Strong

Fruit:

-   -   Weight (average): 16-20 lbs.     -   Shape in longitudinal section: Medium elliptic     -   Ground color of skin (lightest color): Light green     -   Width of stripes (darkest color): Medium     -   Main color of stripes: Medium dark green     -   Conspicuousness of stripes: Medium     -   Margin of stripes: Medium     -   Main color of flesh: Red     -   Rind shine: Shiny

Seed:

-   -   Seed coat size: Medium

Time of female flowering (50% of plants with at least one female flower): Medium

Days to maturity: 89

Disease resistance:

-   -   Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f sp. niveum (FON)) race 1:         Intermediate resistance     -   Anthracnose (Colletotrichum orbiculare) race 1: Intermediate         resistance

Comparisons to Other Watermelon Varieties

Table 8 below compares some of the characteristics of the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ with the commercial triploid watermelon variety ‘Fascination’. Column 1 lists the characteristic, column 2 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’, and column 3 shows the characteristics for commercial triploid watermelon variety ‘Fascination’. Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the two varieties depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B.

TABLE 8 Characteristic ‘Red Amber’ ‘Fascination’ Seed coat size Medium Small Days to maturity 89 82 Flesh texture Very crisp Medium crisp Total yield in lbs. 123,197 111,369 (Trial #1) Total yield in lbs. 58,433 47,051 (Trial #2)

Table 9 below compares some of the characteristics of the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ with the triploid watermelon varieties ‘Red Garnet’ and ‘Red Opal’. Column 1 lists the characteristic, column 2 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’, column 3 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’, and column 4 shows the characteristics for triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’. Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the three varieties depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B, 1A-1B, and 2A-2B.

TABLE 9 Characteristic ‘Red Amber’ ‘Red Garnet’ ‘Red Opal’ Ground color of Light green Medium green to Very light green fruit skin dark green to light green Main color of Red Dark red Pinkish red fruit flesh Rind shine Shiny Waxy layer Shiny Days to maturity    89    84    84 Weight 16-20 lbs. 16-20 lbs. 15-19 lbs. Flesh texture Very crisp Medium crisp Medium crisp Stripe color Medium dark Very dark green Light green green Total yield in 123,197 87,544 Not in trial lbs. (Trial #1) Total yield in  58,433 46,911 54,118 lbs. (Trial #2)

Tables 10A-10E show results of a trial (Trial #1) comparing the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ with the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’, as well as the commercial watermelon varieties ‘Fascination’, ‘7197’, ‘Captivation’, ‘Excursion’, and ‘Troubadour’. Trial #1 was conducted in Blackville, S.C., USA. Tables 10A-10C show the watermelon varieties ranked by yield (highest yielding at top, lowest yielding at bottom), while Tables 10D-10E show the watermelon varieties ranked by first harvest date (highest yielding at Harvest Date #1 at top, lowest yielding at Harvest Date #1 at bottom).

TABLE 10A Average Weight Variety Yield (lbs.) ° Brix ‘Red Amber’ 123,197 19.4 11.4 ‘Fascination’ 111,369 19.9 11.4 ‘7197’ 100,733 18.2 11.1 ‘Captivation’  95,373 19.6 11.3 ‘Red Garnet’  87,544 20.0 11.3 ‘Excursion’  80,768 21.0 10.3 ‘Troubadour’  73,163 17.3 11.6

TABLE 10B Percent Total Variety 60 45 36 30 ‘Red Amber’ 1.8 19.8 44.3 34.1 ‘Fascination’ 2.7 23.8 32.2 41.4 ‘7197’ 5.7 28.3 39.7 26.3 ‘Captivation’ 0.8 18.1 51.0 30.1 ‘Red Garnet’ 0.8 14.2 48.7 36.2 ‘Excursion’ 1.9 15.9 34.0 48.1 ‘Troubadour’ 6.4 36.1 53.7 3.8

TABLE 10C Pounds Yield by Count Variety 60 45 36 30 ‘Red Amber’ 2,226 24,442 54,559 41,969 ‘Fascination’ 2,989 26,463 35,816 46,101 ‘7197’ 5,711 28,496 40,027 26,499 ‘Captivation’   799 17,230 48,594 28,750 ‘Red Garnet’   714 12,451 42,677 31,702 ‘Excursion’ 1,537 12,862 27,479 38,889 ‘Troubadour’ 4,719 26,426 39,271  2,747

TABLE 10D Harvest Harvest Variety Date 1 % Total Date 2 % Total ‘Excursion’ 26,911 33.3 18,416 22.8 ‘Red Amber’ 19,929 16.2 38,890 31.6 ‘Fascination’ 15,851 14.2 14,641 13.1 ‘7197’  9,607 9.5 15,222 15.1 ‘Captivation’  8,192 8.6 18,949 19.9 ‘Red Garnet’  8,010 9.1 16,565 18.9 ‘Troubadour’  6,728 9.2 12,614 17.2

TABLE 10E Harvest Harvest Variety Date 3 % Total Date 4 % Total Total ‘Excursion’ 21,695 26.9 13,746 17.0  80,768 ‘Red Amber’ 37,420 30.4 26,959 21.9 123,198 ‘Fascination’ 48,679 43.7 32,198 28.9 111,369 ‘7197’ 45,254 44.9 30,650 30.4 100,733 ‘Captivation’ 31,085 32.6 37,147 38.9  95,373 ‘Red Garnet’ 41,903 47.9 21,066 24.1  87,544 ‘Troubadour’ 23,075 31.5 30,746 42.0  73,163

Tables 11A-11H show results of a trial (Trial #2) comparing the triploid watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ with the triploid watermelon varieties ‘Red Garnet’ and ‘Red Opal’, as well as the commercial triploid watermelon varieties ‘7197, ‘Captivation’, ‘Excursion’, and ‘Fascination’. Trial #2 was conducted in Vincennes, Ind., USA.

Randomized complete block designs with three replications were used in Trial #2. Experimental plots used a 48-ft bed that was spaced on 8 ft. centers. Each experimental plot included 12 watermelon plants on 4 ft. in-row spacing. Pollenizers were interplanted between every two triploid plants in the same row. Pollenizer ‘SP-7’ was used. All the seeds were planted in 50-cell black seeding flats filled with a peat-based potting media (Metro-Mix® 360, a mixture of sphagnum peat moss, coarse perlite, bark ash, starter fertilizer and dolomite). Transplants were grown in greenhouses. The soil type of the experimental field is sandy loam with 0.8 percent organic matter. Plants were grown on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch. Two of the three replications of the triploid watermelon variety trial were irrigated. Drip tape with a 12-inch emitter spacing and flow rate of 0.22 gpm/100 feet were used for irrigation. During transplanting, each plant received approximately one cup of starter fertilizer solution (Miracle-Gro®, 4.7 grams per gallon water). Fertilizers at the rate of 250 lb/acre urea (46-0-0), 100 lb/acre potash (0-0-60), 100 lb/acre diammonium phosphate (18-46-0), 200 lb/acre pelletized lime, 100 lb/acre K-Mag granular (0-0-22-11-22), 7 lb/acre boron 14.3% and 10 lb/acre Zinc 10% LS were pre-plant broadcast applied prior to laying black plastic mulch. Diseases and insects were managed by scouting and using recommendations from Melcast (melcast.info) and the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (Egel et al., 2018). Bravo®, Luna Experience® and Cabrio® were rotationally sprayed for disease control. No insecticides were applied during the season. Harvests were conducted once a week. Triploid watermelons were harvested four times. Fruit were weighed individually. Four fruit of each variety per replication were collected during peak harvest for fruit quality measurement. Fruit size and rind thickness were recorded. Total soluble solids were measured with a digital refractometer. Flesh firmness was measured using a force gauge with 11 mm diameter tip. Hollow heart severity was evaluated using a 1-5 scale: 1. none; 2. carpel separation evident; 3. one large gap evident; 4. more than 2 large gaps; 5. severe. Seedlessness was evaluated by counting black hard seeds on cutting surfaces of quartered melons. Analysis of variance was performed using the Proc ANOVA procedure of SAS. Fisher's least significant difference test (a=0.05) was conducted for multiple comparisons of different measurements among watermelon varieties.

Tables 11A-11H show the results of Trial #2. Tables 11A-11B show marketable and total yields of the watermelon varieties, Tables 11C-11D show average fruit weight and percentages of fruit in weight categories of the watermelon varieties, Table 11E shows marketable yield in the first harvest of the watermelon varieties, and Tables 11F-11H show fruit quality of the watermelon varieties. ‘Red Amber’ had a marketable yield between 55,000 lbs./acre and 60,000 lbs./acre in Trial #2 (Table 11A), and the majority of ‘Red Amber’ fruit were in the 45 count category (Tables 11C-11D). As shown in Table 11G, the sugar content of ‘Red Amber’ was moderately low.

TABLE 11A Marketable weight per acre Marketable number per acre Variety Pounds Statistics ¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 48,893 bcdefgh 3,025.1 cdefg ‘Captivation’ 48,589 bcdefgh 3,062.9 cdefg ‘Excursion’ 57,968 abcd 3,289.8 abcdef ‘Fascination’ 47,051 cdefgh 2,873.8 efgh ‘Red Amber’ 58,433 abc 3,516.5 abcde ‘Red Garnet’ 46,911 defgh 3,062.9 cdefg ‘Red Opal’ 54,118 abcdefg 3,365.4 abcdef ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 11B Total weight per acre Total number per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 49,548 bcdefghi 3,062.9 defg ‘Captivation’ 49,951 bcdefghi 3,138.5 def ‘Excursion’ 58,406 abcde 3,327.6 bcdef ‘Fascination’ 47,051 efghi 2,873.8 fg ‘Red Amber’ 59,208 abc 3,592.0 abcde ‘Red Garnet’ 46,911 efghi 3,062.9 defg ‘Red Opal’ 54,410 abcdefg 3,406.2 abcdef ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 11C Average fruit weight¹ 9-13.5 lb Variety Pounds Statistics² <9 lb³ (60 count) ‘7197 16.2 defghi 0 27 ‘Captivation’ 15.9 fghijk 0 24 ‘Excursion’ 17.6 bcd 0 14 ‘Fascination’ 16.3 defghi 0 20 ‘Red Amber’ 16.6 defgh 0 20 ‘Red Garnet’ 15.3 hijkl 0 30 ‘Red Opal’ 16.1 efghij 0 31 ¹Average fruit weight was calculated by marketable fruit weight divide marketable fruit number using data from three replications. ²Percentages of fruit in weight categories were calculated using data collected in irrigated field. ³Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 11D 13.6-17.5 lb¹ 17.6-21.4 lb >21.5 lb Variety (45 count) (36 count) (30 count) ‘7197 33 17 23 ‘Captivation’ 31 35 9 ‘Excursion’ 32 30 24 ‘Fascination’ 39 35 6 ‘Red Amber’ 43 22 13 ‘Red Garnet’ 42 25 2 ‘Red Opal’ 36 24 9 ¹Percentages of fruit in weight categories were calculated using data collected in irrigated field.

TABLE 11E Weight per acre Number of fruit per acre Variety Pounds Statistics¹ Number Statistics¹ ‘7197 6,218 cdefghi 301.3 bcdefgh ‘Captivation’ 8,183 bcdefg 414.3 bcde ‘Excursion’ 9,243 abcdef 414.3 bcde ‘Fascination’ 7,398 bcdefg 452.0 bcde ‘Red Amber’ 6,825 bcdefgh 357.8 bcdef ‘Red Garnet’ 3,293 fghij 226.0 defgh ‘Red Opal’ 5,785 defghij 339.0 bcdefgh ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 11F Length (cm) Width (cm) Rind thickness (cm) Variety Length Statistics¹ Width Statistics¹ Thickness Statistics¹ ‘7197 30.0 abcd 23.8 efghijk 2.1 bcde ‘Captivation’ 27.4 ghijkl 23.8 efghijkl 1.7 efghi ‘Excursion’ 31.3 a 25.4 abcd 1.7 efghi ‘Fascination’ 28.1 efghijk 23.1 ghijklm 1.7 ghi ‘Red Amber’ 30.5 ab 23.7 efghijkl 1.8 efgh ‘Red Garnet’ 27.5 fghijkl 21.8 mn 1.7 efghi ‘Red Opal’ 29.0 cdefgh 22.5 jklm 1.8 efghi ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 11G Firmness Total soluble solids (lbs.-force) (° Brix) Variety lbs.-force Statistics¹ ° Brix Statistics¹ ‘7197 2.8 cdefg 11.0 abcdefgh ‘Captivation’ 3.0 bcdef 10.3 efghi ‘Excursion’ 3.4 bc 9.9 hi ‘Fascination’ 3.0 bcdef 10.7 bcdefghi ‘Red Amber’ 2.9 bcdefg 10.7 bcdefghi ‘Red Garnet’ 3.1 bcde 11.5 abcde ‘Red Opal’ 3.2 bcde 10.8 bcdefgh ¹Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

TABLE 11H Hollow heart¹ Black seeds² Variety Severity Statistics³ Number Statistics³ ‘7197 1.8 bcdef 4.6 ab ‘Captivation’ 1.3 fgh 0.3 d ‘Excursion’ 1.5 efgh 0.6 cd ‘Fascination’ 1.6 cdefgh 5.4 a ‘Red Amber’ 1.2 fgh 0.5 d ‘Red Garnet’ 1.1 gh 0.3 d ‘Red Opal’ 1.4 fgh 0.7 cd ¹Hollow heart severity was evaluated using a 1-5 scale: 1 = None; 2 = Carpel separation evident; 3 = One large gap evident; 4 = More than 2 large gaps; 5 = Severe. ²Black seeds was evaluated on counting the total number of black seeds on cutting surfaces of quartered melons. ²Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher's least significant difference test at P ≤ 0.05.

Further distinguishing features are apparent from the comparison of the varieties depicted in FIGS. 5A-5G.

Further Embodiments

This invention also is directed to methods for producing a watermelon plant by crossing a first diploid parent watermelon plant with a second tetraploid parent watermelon plant to produce a triploid offspring watermelon plant. In some embodiments, the offspring plant has a variety of striping patterns on differently hued skin and deep and rich flesh coloration. In some embodiments, the offspring plant has improved firmness of fruit flesh and improved internal quality.

As used herein, the term plant includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which watermelon plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, leaves, stems, and the like.

Genetic Marker Profile Through SSR and First Generation Progeny

In addition to phenotypic observations, a plant can also be identified by its genotype. The genotype of a plant can be characterized through a genetic marker profile which can identify plants of the same variety or a related variety or be used to determine or validate a pedigree. Genetic marker profiles can be obtained by techniques such as Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) which are also referred to as Microsatellites, and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). For example, see Cregan et al., “An Integrated Genetic Linkage Map of the Soybean Genome” Crop Science 39:1464-1490 (1999), and Berry et al., “Assessing Probability of Ancestry Using Simple Sequence Repeat Profiles: Applications to Maize Inbred Lines and Soybean Varieties” Genetics 165:331-342 (2003), each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Particular markers used for these purposes are not limited to any particular set of markers, but are envisioned to include any type of marker and marker profile which provides a means of distinguishing varieties. One method of comparison is to use only homozygous loci for watermelon varieties ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’.

The present invention comprises a watermelon plant characterized by molecular and physiological data obtained from the representative sample of said variety deposited with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB Ltd.). Further provided by the invention is a watermelon plant formed by the combination of the disclosed watermelon plant or plant cell with another watermelon plant or cell and comprising the homozygous alleles of the variety.

Means of performing genetic marker profiles using SSR polymorphisms are well known in the art. SSRs are genetic markers based on polymorphisms in repeated nucleotide sequences, such as microsatellites. A marker system based on SSRs can be highly informative in linkage analysis relative to other marker systems in that multiple alleles may be present. Another advantage of this type of marker is that, through use of flanking primers, detection of SSRs can be achieved, for example, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), thereby eliminating the need for labor-intensive Southern hybridization. PCR detection is done by use of two oligonucleotide primers flanking the polymorphic segment of repetitive DNA. Repeated cycles of heat denaturation of the DNA followed by annealing of the primers to their complementary sequences at low temperatures, and extension of the annealed primers with DNA polymerase, comprise the major part of the methodology.

Following amplification, markers can be scored by electrophoresis of the amplification products. Scoring of marker genotype is based on the size of the amplified fragment, which may be measured by the number of base pairs of the fragment. While variation in the primer used or in laboratory procedures can affect the reported fragment size, relative values should remain constant regardless of the specific primer or laboratory used. When comparing varieties it is preferable if all SSR profiles are performed in the same lab.

Single-Gene Conversions

When the terms watermelon plant, cultivar, hybrid, or watermelon line are used in the context of the present invention, this also includes any single gene conversions of that line. The term “single gene converted plant” as used herein refers to those watermelon plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of a cultivar are recovered in addition to the single gene transferred into the line via the backcrossing technique. Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improve or introduce a characteristic into the line. The term “backcrossing” as used herein refers to the repeated crossing of a hybrid progeny back to one of the parental watermelon plants for that line, backcrossing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more times to the recurrent parent. The parental watermelon plant which contributes the gene for the desired characteristic is termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does not recur. The parental watermelon plant to which the gene or genes from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol (Poehlman & Sleper, 1994; Fehr, 1987). In a typical backcross protocol, the original cultivar of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a second line (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the single gene of interest to be transferred. The resulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until a watermelon plant is obtained wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the single transferred gene from the nonrecurrent parent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for a successful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol is to alter or substitute a single trait or characteristic in the original line. To accomplish this, a single gene of the recurrent cultivar is modified or substituted with the desired gene from the nonrecurrent parent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphological, constitution of the original line. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross; one of the major purposes is to add some commercially desirable, agronomically important trait to the plant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristic or trait being altered to determine an appropriate testing protocol. Although backcrossing methods are simplified when the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, a recessive allele may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessary to introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desired characteristic has been successfully transferred.

Many single gene traits have been identified that are not regularly selected for in the development of a new line but that can be improved by backcrossing techniques. Single gene traits may or may not be transgenic, and examples of these traits include but are not limited to, male sterility, modified fatty acid metabolism, modified carbohydrate metabolism, herbicide resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance, enhanced nutritional quality, industrial usage, yield stability, and yield enhancement. These genes are generally inherited through the nucleus. Several of these single gene traits are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,777,196, 5,948,957 and 5,969,212, the disclosures of which are specifically hereby incorporated by reference.

Tissue Culture

As used herein, the term “tissue culture” indicates a composition comprising isolated cells of the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of a plant. Exemplary types of tissue cultures are protoplasts, calli, meristematic cells, and plant cells that can generate tissue culture that are intact in plants or parts of plants, such as leaves, pollen, embryos, roots, root tips, anthers, pistils, flowers, seeds, petioles, and the like. Means for preparing and maintaining plant tissue culture are well known in the art. By way of example, a tissue culture comprising organs has been used to produce regenerated plants. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,959,185; 5,973,234 and 5,977,445 describe certain techniques, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Additional Breeding Methods

This invention also is directed to methods for producing a triploid watermelon plant by crossing a tetraploid parent watermelon plant with a diploid parent watermelon plant to generate a triploid watermelon plant. In addition, any reversion of a tetraploid to diploid is included as part of this invention, because this is a routine natural process (conversion from 4n to 2n ploidy level) seen at a low percentage with any tetraploid. In this manner, a diverse array of watermelon rind patterns, watermelon flesh color, and watermelon taste may be developed and selected for superior qualities including appearance and taste. Further, watermelon varieties may be developed and selected for superior qualities including improved firmness of flesh, improved internal quality, increased yield, and hardiness. Breeding steps that may be used in the watermelon plant breeding program include pedigree breeding, backcrossing, mutation breeding, and recurrent selection. In conjunction with these steps, techniques such as RFLP-enhanced selection, genetic marker enhanced selection (for example SSR markers) and the making of double haploids may be utilized.

The cultivar of the invention can also be used for transformation where exogenous genes are introduced and expressed by the cultivar of the invention. Genetic variants of ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’ created either through traditional breeding methods or through transformation of hybrid watermelon ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’ by any of a number of protocols known to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Mutations for use in mutation breeding can be induced in plants by using mutagenic chemicals such as ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), by irradiation of plant material with gamma rays or fast neutrons, or by other means. The resulting nucleotide changes are random, but in a large collection of mutagenized plants the mutations in a gene of interest can be readily identified by using the TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) method (McCallum et al. (2000) Targeted screening for induced mutations. Nat. Biotechnol. 18, 455-457, and Henikoff et al. (2004) TILLING. Traditional mutagenesis meets functional genomics. Plant Physiol. 135, 630-636). The principle of this method is based on the PCR amplification of the gene of interest from genomic DNA of a large collection of mutagenized plants in the M2 generation. By DNA sequencing or by looking for point mutations using a single-strand specific nuclease, such as the CEL-I nuclease (Till et al. (2004) Mismatch cleavage by single-strand specific nucleases. Nucleic Acids Res. 32, 2632-2641), the individual plants that have a mutation in the gene of interest are identified. By screening many plants, a large collection of mutant alleles is obtained, each giving a different effect on gene expression or enzyme activity. The gene expression or protein levels can for example be tested by transcript analysis levels (e.g., by RT-PCR) or by quantification of protein levels with antibodies. Plants with the desired reduced gene expression or reduced protein expression are then back-crossed or crossed to other breeding lines to transfer only the desired new allele into the background of the crop wanted.

Genes of interest for use in breeding may also be edited using gene editing techniques including transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) gene editing techniques, clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing techniques, and/or zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) gene editing techniques. For this, transgenic plants are generated expressing one or more constructs targeting the gene of interest. These constructs may include, without limitation, an anti-sense construct, an optimized small-RNA construct, an inverted repeat construct, a targeting construct, a guide RNA construct, a construct encoding a targeting protein, and/or a combined sense-anti-sense construct, and may work in conjunction with a nuclease, an endonuclease, and/or an enzyme, so as to downregulate the expression of a gene of interest.

One of ordinary skill in the art of plant breeding would know how to evaluate the traits of two plant varieties to determine if there is no significant difference between the two traits expressed by those varieties. For example, see Fehr and Walt, Principles of Cultivar Development, p. 261-286 (1987). Thus the invention includes watermelon plants comprising a combination of at least two traits selected from the combination of traits listed in the Summary of the Invention for each of ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’, so that said progeny watermelon plant is not significantly different for said traits than watermelon ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’, as determined at the 5% significance level when grown in the same environmental conditions and/or may be characterized by percent similarity or identity to hybrid watermelon ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Red Opal’, or ‘Red Amber’, as determined by SSR markers. Mean trait values may be used to determine whether trait differences are significant, and preferably the traits are measured on plants grown under the same environmental conditions. Once such a variety is developed its value is substantial since it is important to advance the germplasm base as a whole in order to maintain or improve traits such as firmness of flesh, internal quality, taste, appearance, yield, disease resistance, pest resistance, and plant performance in extreme environmental conditions.

As used herein, the term “plant” includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which watermelon plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants, such as leaves, pollen, embryos, cotyledons, hypocotyl, roots, root tips, anthers, pistils, flowers, seeds, stems, and the like.

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if the range 10-15 is disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

Deposit Information Watermelon Variety ‘Red Garnet’

A deposit of the hybrid watermelon ‘Red Garnet’ is maintained by Enza Zaden USA, Inc., having an address at 7 Harris Place, Salinas, Calif. 93901, USA. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB Ltd), Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA, United Kingdom.

At least 2500 seeds of watermelon variety ‘Red Garnet’ were deposited on DATE according to the Budapest Treaty in the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB Ltd), Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA, United Kingdom. The deposit has been assigned NCIMB Number X1. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the NCIMB depository, which is a public depository, for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the most recent request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Watermelon Variety ‘Red Opal’

A deposit of the hybrid watermelon ‘Red Opal’ is maintained by Enza Zaden USA, Inc., having an address at 7 Harris Place, Salinas, Calif. 93901, USA. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB Ltd), Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA, United Kingdom.

At least 2500 seeds of watermelon variety ‘Red Opal’ were deposited on DATE according to the Budapest Treaty in the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB Ltd), Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA, United Kingdom. The deposit has been assigned NCIMB Number X2. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the NCIMB depository, which is a public depository, for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the most recent request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period.

Watermelon Variety ‘Red Amber’

A deposit of the hybrid watermelon ‘Red Amber’ is maintained by Enza Zaden USA, Inc., having an address at 7 Harris Place, Salinas, Calif. 93901, USA. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed by affording access to a deposit of at least 2,500 seeds of the same variety with the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB Ltd), Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA, United Kingdom.

At least 2500 seeds of watermelon variety ‘Red Amber’ were deposited on DATE according to the Budapest Treaty in the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria Ltd. (NCIMB Ltd), Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9YA, United Kingdom. The deposit has been assigned NCIMB Number X3. Access to this deposit will be available during the pendency of this application to persons determined by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto under 37 C.F.R. § 1.14 and 35 U.S.C. § 122. Upon allowance of any claims in this application, all restrictions on the availability to the public of the variety will be irrevocably removed.

The deposit will be maintained in the NCIMB depository, which is a public depository, for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the most recent request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if a deposit becomes nonviable during that period. 

1. A watermelon seed selected from the group consisting of: ‘Red Garnet’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under NCIMB Accession Number X1; ‘Red Opal’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under NCIMB Accession Number X2; and ‘Red Amber’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under NCIMB Accession Number X3.
 2. A watermelon plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 3. A plant part from the plant of claim
 2. 4. The plant part of claim 3, wherein said part is a leaf, an ovule, pollen, a seed, a fruit, a cell, or a portion thereof.
 5. The plant part of claim 4, wherein said part is a fruit.
 6. A watermelon plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the watermelon plant of claim
 2. 7. A plant part from the plant of claim
 6. 8. The plant part of claim 7, wherein said part is a leaf, an ovule, pollen, a seed, a fruit, a cell, or a portion thereof.
 9. A plant part of claim 8, wherein said part is a fruit.
 10. Pollen or an ovule of the plant of claim
 2. 11. A protoplast produced from the plant of claim
 2. 12. A tissue culture of the plant of claim
 2. 13. The tissue culture of claim 12, wherein said tissue culture is produced from a plant part selected from the group consisting of leaf, anther, pistil, stem, petiole, root, root tip, fruit, seed, flower, cotyledon, hypocotyl, embryo, and meristematic cell.
 14. A watermelon plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 13, wherein the plant has all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a watermelon plant produced by growing seed selected from the group consisting of ‘Red Garnet’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under NCIMB Accession Number X1; ‘Red Opal’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under NCIMB Accession Number X2; and ‘Red Amber’, representative sample of seed having been deposited under NCIMB Accession Number X3. 